Merlin Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025

Merlin is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

This recognition reflects Merlin’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for Merlin’s members in the digital space. That commitment ranges from advancing data-driven insights to fostering the next generation of female music industry leaders. But among Merlin’s recent innovations, one stands out: Merlin Connect, a streamlined licensing solution that is transforming how digital platforms access and integrate quality independent music.

“Innovation at Merlin is about finding meaningful solutions for independent music and the broader digital ecosystem,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “We’ve introduced a number of forward-thinking initiatives over the past year, but Merlin Connect exemplifies our ability to break down long-standing industry barriers. By making independent music more accessible to platforms that wouldn’t otherwise be able to efficiently license it, we’re helping shape the future of music in tech. Being named to Fast Company’s list affirms the impact our members and their artists have in bringing music to entirely new spaces.”

“For 17 years now, Merlin has secured premium deals with the world’s leading digital platforms for our members. Our mission is to ensure our independent members can compete on a level playing field. With Merlin Connect, we’re expanding our approach by opening up more opportunities for emerging platforms,” said Charlie Lexton, COO of Merlin. “Being named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list again—after first receiving this honor in 2013 under the leadership of Charles Caldas—reflects the evolution of Merlin and our ongoing commitment to driving opportunities for independent music in the digital space. We’re proud to be recognized for this innovation and excited for what’s ahead.”

Over the past several months, Merlin Connect has transformed music licensing for digital platforms. Music licensing is often too complex for early-stage and non-music companies to dedicate resources to navigate. Merlin created a streamlined, API-driven licensing solution that removes barriers and enables platforms to integrate independent music seamlessly. Since launching in mid 2024, Merlin Connect has received dozens of applications from companies looking to access quality music—without the longstanding red tape. The first licensed platform was a global enterprise AI company, and interest continues to grow across industries eager to harness the power of music.

But Merlin Connect is more than a licensing deal, it’s an innovation hub, a growth engine, and a strategic partner invested in each platform’s success. This innovative approach has positioned Merlin and its members as leaders in music and technology collaboration, ensuring independent music plays a vital role in the next wave of digital innovation.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. 

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.” 

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25. 

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. 

ABOUT MERLIN CONNECT

Merlin Connect reimagines how digital platforms license and integrate independent music. The initiative seamlessly unlocks a curated selection of quality music from across Merlin’s membership of leading independent record labels and distributors, and makes it available to the next generation of digital platforms. 

Designed for startups and scaleups alike, Merlin Connect provides a streamlined, API-driven solution that removes the complexities traditionally associated with music licensing. But Merlin Connect is more than a licensing deal, it’s an innovation hub, a growth engine, and a strategic partner invested in each platform’s success. 

With flexible licensing, streamlined operations, and strategic support, Merlin Connect enables companies from diverse industries to harness the power of independent music in groundbreaking ways. Merlin Connect is here to create a better future for artists, fans and platforms alike.

For more information, visit www.merlinnetwork.org/merlinconnect.

ABOUT MERLIN 

Merlin is the independent’s digital music licensing partner. We’ve negotiated premium deals with Apple, Canva, Deezer, Meta, NetEase Spotify, TenCent, YouTube, and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. Our global membership is from 70+ countries around the world, representing 15% of the recorded music market. We are independent record labels, distributors, label services companies, and other rightsholders. Merlin operates for the benefit of its members, without investors looking for an exit, and is funded entirely by our low 1.5% admin fee. Merlin helps the world’s leading independents to own their digital business through world-class deals and white-glove support.

Merlin’s membership includes independents such as !K7, anjunabeats, Armada Music Group, AudioSalad, Because Music, Better Noise, Cinq Music Group, Curb Records, Domino, EMPIRE, Epitaph Records, Exceleration Music, Hopeless Records, IDJDigital, IDOL, iGroove, Kompakt, Kontor New Media, Lex Records, Mad Decent, MNRK Music Group, Mom & Pop Music, Mushroom Music, Nettwerk, Ninja Tune, ONErpm, Paradise Worldwide, Payday, Polyvinyl Records, Reservoir Media, Secret City, Secretly, Stones Throw, Sub Pop, Too Lost, UNIFIED, Wagram Music, Warp Records, WM Music Distribution, Zebralution, and hundreds more.

Find out more at www.merlinnetwork.org

ABOUT FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.